John Chesnut Sr. Park — Attraction in East Lake

This is such an exquisite park! So full of wonder and beauty! The playgrounds have so much to do, big and small ones, someone left chalk behind for others to use and the kids loved it. It has natural shading from the trees, so even on a warm day it was nice, it was also breezy so that helped a lot! There’s a little free library to give and take books, I left some journals, and a couple books, I always buy cute journals from the dollar store to leave at these little libraries, just to switch it up, kids are more likely to take a journal to write/draw in, adults too! There’s public restrooms and water fountains. ⛲️ My twins love running on trail and boardwalks so after the playground we hit the boardwalk by the boat ramp, it leads to an observation tower and many observation decks. We saw turtles, herons, many birds, squirrels, and gators! So much wildlife, could stay here for hours adventuring this park! There’s plenty of benches and seating, some swinging benches facing the water, it’s a beautiful view of lake tarpon! Away from all the noise, if you’re in the area it’s definitely worth checking out, we did a couple miles in walking here and it tires the kids out so that helps a lot! If you don’t like bugs, I’d stay away, there’s these gnats that fly around, they may land on you but they don’t bite or bother you. Of course if you go later in the day noseeums are there like crazy but we went in the morning, it...

I recently visited John Chestnut Sr. Park, and I was blown away by its beauty and amenities. This state park is truly a nature lover's paradise! The park is impeccably clean, and the lush greenery adds to its charm. The two playgrounds are perfect for families with kids, offering a safe and enjoyable space for them to play and have fun.

One of the highlights for me was the dog park. It's spacious and well-maintained, allowing our furry friends to run around and socialize freely. The hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, and I enjoyed every moment exploring them. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, there's a trail for everyone.

The BBQ party shelters are fantastic for hosting gatherings and celebrations. With ample space, picnic tables, and BBQ grills, it's the ideal spot for a fun-filled day with family and friends. Plus, the availability of shelters ensures that you can enjoy your outdoor BBQ even if the weather isn't perfect.

Overall, I highly recommend John Chestnut Sr. Park to anyone looking for a beautiful and well-equipped outdoor destination. Whether you want to relax, play, hike, or have a BBQ party, this park has it all. I can't wait to...

John Chesnut is definitely one of the most beautiful county parks in Pinellas County. Well maintained boardwalks that outline Lake Tarpon with different gazebos to sit and enjoy the view. There's also a boat ramp with a lookout tower. All of the trails are handicapped friendly. With restaurant facilities by every playground and some on the main road. There's different preserves and other small lakes inside the park. You can also enjoy boating fishing hiking biking picnicking for just relaxing. There's also a huge dog park. With only a couple of benches so you need to bring your own chairs. Seems to be quite the social gathering for many people. When you go to the back of the park. There is also a paved path through the forest. It's a beautiful view all along the lake.. And a chance to stretch your legs and relax and get some fresh air. There's plenty of pavilions to rent for parties. When hiking through the park, you'll see the beautiful Deer families grazing the property . Please DO NOT NOT BE FEED THE WILDLIFE. I hope you enjoy your visit to John...